acute

acrid (A-krid), adjective Strong and bitter in smell or taste. Unpleasantly pungent to the smell or taste. Can also describe a bitter tone or harsh verbal exchange. Acid would smell acrid, and harsh words do stink. Her anger was released in the acrid remarks she hurled at her father. acrimonious (a-krih-MOH-nee-us), adjective Bitter, angry, or lled with resentment. Used to describe mean-spirited or ill-natured language or exchanges that are lled with animosity. Acrid and acrimonious have the same rst three letters as well as similar meanings. Acrimonious marriages cause stress and anxiety for all involved and inevitably end in divorce. acronym (a-kroh-NIM), noun A word that is formed from the initials or other parts of several words, such as NATO (for North Atlantic Treaty Organization). GIGO is an acronym that computer programmers created to stand for the phrase garbage in, garbage out. acrophobia (a-croh-FO-bee-a), noun An irrational fear of high places, characterized by feelings of dread, danger, and helplessness. Its almost impossible to nd a roofer with acrophobia, at least one who isnt unemployed. acumen (a-CUE-men), noun Quick insight. Also, the ability to make fast, accurate evaluations or judgments about people, situations, or things. Laurie was said to have great business acumen because every venture she became involved in quickly turned a prot. acute (a-CUTE), adjective Extremely serious, painful, sharp, shrewd, perceptive, or severe. Keenly perceptive, intellectual, and sensitive to details. Also used in reference to a disease that is severe and quick to crisis. Most teenage girls have acute skills when it comes to identifying a cute boy; its like a form of radar.